Why Does American Exceptionalism Matter?

In his acceptance speech on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, Senator-Elect Marco Rubio of Florida said, “Americans believe with all their hearts…that the United States of America is simply the single greatest nation in all of human history, a place without equal in the history of all mankind.”

The reality of American exceptionalism was a theme on the campaign trail, especially among conservatives. Americans agree that the United States is a great nation, but why is America exceptional and why does it matter?

While other nations are bound by a common ethnicity, religion or history, America’s dedication to liberty makes it unique. Understanding America: Why is America Exceptional? is a new e-book from The Heritage Foundation that explores how the United States’ commitment to the universal truths of human equality and the right to self-government—as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence—requires a vigilant defense of the cause of liberty, both at home and abroad.

The media and some politicians in Washington apologize for America’s success and undermine the unique principles on which America was founded, and which have made it great. The Understanding Americaseries provides the arguments our nation needs so we can continue to be a powerful beacon to all those who struggle to be free.

Join The Discussion

It drives me more than nuts that the media and some politicians in Washington apologize for America’s success instead of inspiring and sharing the ability to become. Now government is destroying it. They are oppressing mine and my family's ability to get ahead! American Exceptionalism matters and this government is destroying it to become more like the world.

In 1955 America built more homes and cars than ever before or since. The average factory worker could buy a new home. The Lakewood subdivision in Los Angeles was completing 50 homes per day, and they were all sold before completion. America has been going downhill ever since, due to expansion of gov't taxes and regulations. The leader of the Ford Foundation said that our prosperity was embarrassing, causing tension with other countries. We should reduce our prosperity and increase prosperity of other nations to reduce tension. What an idiot!!

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